[georgek]

Can some one show me how to wire a generator to a house panel?

[sarnian]

Hello george

First you have to specify how many phases you use on your house panel, and what your generator provides.
Is everything connected to the panel allowed to be connected to the generator simultaneously? (consider max. generator capacity and max. power used).
Is this generator a permanent replacement of the power grid, or just a temporal situation?

[georgek]

Hello george

First you have to specify how many phases you use on your house panel, and what your generator provides.
Is everything connected to the panel allowed to be connected to the generator simultaneously? (consider max. generator capacity and max. power used).
Is this generator a permanent replacement of the power grid, or just a temporal situation?

To Sarnian
I made a mistake in how I worded my question.
The generator will only be used when power grid is down.
So the use of the generator will only be temorary
Will only run furnace , refrigerator and mady 2 or 3 lights .
Generator is a 6.5 K W unit.
This is for my son, so I do not have all the information at present.

[sarnian]

Ok georgek,

OK, so it is a back-up power supply in case of problems with the regular grid power supply.
The power of the generator seems sufficient for that set-up.
Just let me know when you have all (other) information !

[KISS]

The simplest way is to purchase an interlock kit. This prevents the main and generator from being on at the same time. This company can custom make the kits.

Generator InterLock Kit

You need a generator input connector.

[KISS]

<moved from Electrical Engineering>

[stanfortyman]

The absolute simplest way is with a Gen-Tran type transfer panel.
VERY easy retrofit installation.

Gentran Corporation: Generator Transfer switches for home & business

[sarnian]

stanfortyman : excellent link !

[Stratmando]

The Interlock kit is cheapest, effective way to repower your panel, select any circuit, not just a handfull of necessary items.
Also a power inlet is needed:
Power Inlet Box @ Electric Generators Direct.com - Generator Inlet Boxes, portable generator inlet boxes, power transfer boxes, generator inlet connection, external power inlet box; pramac power inlet box, outdoor generator plug, generator plug, gene
I like to have the power inlet outside, so doors can be closed.

[stanfortyman]

About the only thing I don't like about an interlock is that most folks will NOT be selective in what they leave on. And most folks will NOT have a generator big enough to handle typical loads on a whole panel.

Another thing is interlocks are only made for modern panels. Even older name brand panels are almost impossible to find interlocks for. Let alone an FPE or Pushmatic.

[Stratmando]

Problem with the Transfer panels is most only handle 10-12, more or less circuits. I tell people just use the frige, power all rooms up, turn on and off lights as needed everywhere instead of a select few, candles burn houses.
If an interlock kit is not available, then the transfer panel is the way to go.

[Missouri Bound]

If your generator is designed to start when the power fails, you would be best to get an automatic transfer switch. This eliminates any stumbling around in the dark if you choose properly which circuits you want energized. Stratmando makes a very good point with the interlock. It's inexpensive and the wiring is minimized, just backfeed a 2 pole breaker. But it requires some thought when the power goes out, where a automatic start generator with an automatic transfer switch does everything for you.

[stanfortyman]

If your generator is designed to start when the power fails, you would be best to get an automatic transfer switch.

An automatic standby generator would require an automatic transfer switch or panel to function. It's not an option.